What are the Common Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps commonly present with chronic nasal congestion or obstruction, often making breathing through the nose difficult, along with a reduced or lost sense of smell (hyposmia or anosmia), which is one of the most frequently reported and impactful symptoms. Patients may also experience a persistent runny nose, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure, sometimes accompanied by headaches or facial discomfort, especially in cases linked to chronic rhinosinusitis. Because symptoms can overlap with allergies or asthma, evaluation by a specialist such as Dr. Joel H. Selter, MD, at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. For more information, call us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Suffern, NY, and Monroe, NY.


Table of Contents:
What are the most common symptoms of nasal polyps in adults?
How do nasal polyps contribute to chronic nasal congestion?
Are there any symptoms of nasal polyps that might be mistaken for a cold or allergy?
Can nasal polyps lead to frequent sinus infections? Expert Insight from Dr. Joel H. Selter, M.D
At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we understand how nasal polyps can significantly impact the quality of life for adults in our community. Nasal polyps often cause persistent nasal congestion—often described as constant stuffiness that doesn’t improve with typical over-the-counter treatments. Many of our patients with nasal polyps also report a reduced or complete loss of sense of smell (anosmia), along with a diminished sense of taste.
Other common concerns include a runny nose, postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat), and facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. Some patients notice increased snoring or sleep disturbances, and in cases where polyps are especially large or numerous, there may be a sensation of blockage in one or both nostrils, making it hard to breathe through the nose. Nasal polyps can also lead to frequent sinus infections due to blocked sinus drainage.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the team at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland is here to help. Our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating nasal polyps and related conditions. We offer comprehensive allergy and sinus care, including advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help you breathe easier and regain your quality of life.
At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we frequently help patients manage and treat nasal polyps—soft, noncancerous growths that develop along the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. These polyps often result from chronic inflammation related to allergies, asthma, or repeated sinus infections, all of which are conditions we specialize in diagnosing and treating.
Nasal polyps can partially or completely block the nasal passages, leading to persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and chronic mouth breathing. In addition to the physical blockage, polyps can disrupt the normal function of your nasal membranes, often causing increased mucus production, postnasal drip, and a diminished sense of smell and taste.
If left untreated, nasal polyps can make the nasal tissues more vulnerable to infections, creating a cycle of inflammation and swelling that perpetuates congestion and discomfort.
At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, our experienced team uses a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options—including medications to reduce inflammation and, when necessary, minimally invasive procedures—to help our patients achieve lasting relief from nasal polyps. If you are struggling with chronic nasal congestion or symptoms that may be related to nasal polyps, our allergy and asthma specialists are here to provide expert, personalized care to restore your breathing and quality of life.
At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we understand that persistent nasal symptoms can be confusing and frustrating—especially when they mimic common conditions like allergies or sinus infections. Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that form in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. Because their symptoms often overlap with seasonal allergies and the common cold, nasal polyps can be difficult to identify without expert medical evaluation.
Common symptoms of nasal polyps include ongoing nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip—all of which are also seen in allergic rhinitis. You may also notice a reduced sense of smell or taste, facial pressure, or headaches, symptoms that can also accompany sinus infections and allergy flare-ups. However, unlike colds, which usually resolve in a week or two, symptoms related to nasal polyps tend to persist for weeks or even months.
If you’re experiencing chronic nasal symptoms, particularly if you have asthma or a history of allergies, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, our specialists are experienced in differentiating between allergies, sinus issues, and nasal polyps. We use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you breathe and feel better.
At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, Dr. Joel H. Selter, MD, frequently sees patients struggling with persistent nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and recurring sinus infections. One common underlying cause of these symptoms is the presence of nasal polyps—soft, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses.
Nasal polyps can block normal airflow and drainage in the nose and sinuses, trapping mucus and creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. This often leads to frequent or lingering sinus infections. Patients with nasal polyps may also notice a reduced sense of smell and ongoing postnasal drip, symptoms that can overlap with sinusitis and allergies.
Because these symptoms can be similar to those caused by allergies or asthma, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation by a specialist. At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, Dr. Joel can help determine whether nasal polyps are contributing to your sinus and breathing problems. We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately identify the cause and offer a range of treatment options, including medications such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, allergy management, and referral for surgical care when necessary.
For more information, call us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Suffern, NY and Monroe, NY. We serve patients from Suffern NY, Monroe NY, New City NY, Spring Valley NY, Monsey NY, Airmont NY and Mahwah NJ.

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